Douglas Ziedonis Named EVP for UNM Health Sciences and CEO of UNM Health System
University of New Mexico President Garnett S. Stokes has appointed Douglas Ziedonis, MD, MPH, Executive Vice President (EVP) for UNM Health Sciences and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)...
University of New Mexico President Garnett S. Stokes has appointed Douglas Ziedonis, MD, MPH, Executive Vice President (EVP) for UNM Health Sciences and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the UNM Health System. The selection culminates a 10-month national search to identify the next executive leader for the UNM Health Sciences Center which includes the education, research, clinical, and community activities of UNM Health Sciences and the UNM Health System.
“Dr. Ziedonis’ appointment reflects our institutional dedication to finding a leader who will deliver on UNM’s commitment to offering excellence across all aspects of education, research and clinical care, and the HSC’s mission to improve health outcomes for all New Mexicans,” said Stokes. “He comes to UNM with a keen appreciation for the complexities of running the state’s only academic medical center, including the current stressors derived from the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.
“He has a breadth of experience and leadership roles at academic institutions as varied as the University of California San Diego, UCLA, UMass, Yale University, and Rutgers, and extensive work with diverse populations, including Indigenous communities. Additionally, his own medical and public health background and accomplishments have targeted addressing health disparities – including issues such as homelessness, mental illness, and addiction – and being a champion for diversity.”
“I look forward to this leadership role at The University of New Mexico and getting to know the state of New Mexico and how to better serve its people. This is an exciting time to join an amazing group of faculty, staff, and students at Health Sciences and the Health System,” said Dr. Ziedonis. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know President Stokes and everyone at the Health Sciences Center and across the campus. I look forward to working with President Stokes and further developing the spirit of one university.”
WittKieffer’s Joyce DeLeo, Ph.D., Karen Otto, Chris Colenda, M.D., M.P.H. and Kerry Quealy led this search.